B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has declared his intention to stay on despite facing pressure from his party’s management committee to step down. In a recent letter obtained by CBC News, the committee highlighted the significant turmoil within the party following the 2024 general election, attributing it to decisions made under Rustad’s leadership.
The letter, dated October 21 and signed by B.C. Conservative Party president Aisha Estey and six other committee members, expressed concerns about the ongoing discord and lack of confidence in Rustad’s leadership. While Rustad survived a recent leadership review with over 70% support, the committee has called for his immediate resignation.
Rustad, however, remains steadfast in his position, emphasizing his commitment to democracy and the mandate given to him by party members. He stated that he plans to address the committee internally and continue with his responsibilities. When asked about the party’s current state, Rustad refrained from commenting.
The committee’s call for resignation comes amid the departure of five MLAs from the party since the election. Former head of the B.C. Conservatives, Trevor Bolin, has also urged Rustad to step down, citing the party’s inability to compete with the governing NDP under his leadership.
Despite the internal strife, some Conservative MLAs, including Caucus chair Jody Toor and Abbotsford West MLA Korky Neufeld, voiced their support for Rustad. On the other hand, individuals like Elenore Sturko, who was expelled from caucus, echoed the committee’s stance that Rustad should resign for the party’s renewal.
The party is currently down five MLAs, with two forming a new party earlier this year. The ongoing challenges within the B.C. Conservative Party underscore the deep divisions and leadership issues that continue to plague the opposition group.